On Saturday a dozen local photographs took a break from taking portraits to give some to those in need.
Founded in New York in 2009 by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, the Help-Portrait initiative was designed to provide people who wouldn't be able to afford it a chance to have a professional individual or family portrait. Photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists volunteer their services to help the portrait recipients look their best, local photographer Philomena Hughes said.
"...We take so many things for granted. Just to get their hair done - some had never had it done. One lady said she hadn't had it done since her wedding," Hughes said. "To feel valued is such a huge part."
Despite the cold weather, over 100 people came out to St. Michael's Anglican Church on Saturday morning and early afternoon, Hughes said. More than 30 portraits were taken.
One lady in her 70s walked to the church on Fifth Avenue downtown from the Queensway area to take part, she said.
Six students from the Loxx Academy of Hair Design provided the hair cuts and W.D. West Studios printed the 8x10 portraits.
Hughes said for her the significance of the day hit her as she helped a 58-year-old woman with terminal cancer do her makeup for a portrait.
"It just starts to hit you... Even when you are giving, you can still do more," Hughes said. "It was amazing to see that we can start something. It's been a great feeling today."
Prince George has been part of the Help-Portrait movement since it began, and the number of volunteers and portrait recipients has grown each year, she said.
Hughes said it was great to see Prince George be part of something happening in places like Toronto, New York and Paris.
According to Help-Portrait.com, from 2009 to 2012 more than 282,000 portraits have been given in more than 2,100 locations in 67 countries.
